Maintaining the security of your operating system has never been more important, as Windows continues to face attacks from all directions, including Russian hackers, the exploitation of zero-day vulnerabilities in Windows, and recently discovered FastHTTP high-speed password hacking threats.
However, Microsoft’s decision to discontinue security support for Windows 10 on October 14 will impact hundreds of millions of customers sooner rather than later. However, there is a completely legal and cost-free method to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 if you act quickly. This is what you should know.
How to get a free upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11
In actuality, there are numerous ways to obtain a free copy of Windows 11, however they are not cost-free. Let me clarify. All of these techniques, which mostly entail operating system cracks, involve criminality in one way or another. You may query where the expense is if that is acceptable to your moral code.
Well, aside from the possibility of prosecution, no matter how slight, there is the security consideration, which is far more important: these Windows copies frequently contain an unexpected malware surprise. Do you really want to be using the safest operating system from Microsoft, which has been tainted with spyware and rootkits to spy on you and steal your login credentials? No, I did not believe that. However, with less than nine months until Windows 11’s end of service date, upgrading is becoming a top priority for many people who might otherwise be attracted by the prospect of money staying in one place.
That is where Microsoft steps in, although quietly and without much fuss. There is a way to obtain a free legal upgrade to Windows 11 according to a post made on January 21 to Microsoft’s Windows release health support pages.
“Starting this week,” Microsoft said, “we are expanding this latest Windows version’s phased rollout.” That version being Windows 11 24H2. “We are gradually offering this update also to eligible devices running Windows 10, version 22H2,” Microsoft confirmed.
The security risks Windows 10 users face if they choose not to use the free upgrade
When you think about the attack surface in 2025 in relation to your threat profile, what are the main concerns that come to mind? Naturally, these problems will differ depending on your profile and unique situation, but I can tell with some assurance that ransomware, espionage, data loss, and hacking will be at the top of many people’s lists.
One recent research claims that Windows 10, which is by definition a less secure operating system, is actually gaining market share from Windows 11, the most secure operating system to date. Also, Microsoft has already declared that it would stop supporting it on October 14th, making it an extremely vulnerable operating system.
What this means is that there will be no more free software updates from Windows Update, no more technical assistance either and, most importantly of all in the context of this article and beyond, no more security fixes for Windows 10 users. “It’s five minutes to twelve to avoid a security fiasco for 2025,” Thorsten Urbanski, a director of marketing and communication at security vendor ESET, said, “we strongly advise all users not to wait until October, but to switch to Windows 11 immediately…”
The range of dangers is astounding, based on my quick review of the articles I have read about Windows 10 security issues over the past few weeks and months. There are threats for everything from BitLocker encryption flaws to email hacking, high-speed password hacking, zero-day vulnerabilities, 2FA bypass, and Windows backdoors. If you do nothing, those risks will increase for you when Windows 10 reaches the end of support.
Does your Windows 10 PC qualify for the free upgrade to Windows 11?
Microsoft recommended that you go to Settings – Windows Update and choose the check for updates option in order to see if your Windows 10 device qualifies for the free Windows 11 operating system upgrade. Microsoft stated that “you will have the opportunity to download and install Windows 11, version 24H2 if your device is ready for the upgrade.”
Why is this upgrade so important from a security standpoint? As I previously stated, millions of customers will no longer receive security updates for Windows 10 after it reaches what is known as end-of-support on October 14 unless they upgrade to Windows 11 or pay for extended security support. If not, you should look for that free upgrade right away. Microsoft has stated that it would “frequently publish further information about the Windows 11 2024 Update rollout,” so keep an eye on that covert support page as well.